Games

Best of 2008 | 07 | 06 | 05
Advanced Search

Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed games.

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne

EMAIL PRINT pc

9.1 User Score:

Generally favorable reviews

Based on 46 critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

Based on 80 votes
Read user comments
Rate this game >

Game Info

Publisher: Rockstar Games

Developer: Remedy Entertainment

Genre(s): Action, Third-Person Shooter

Players: 1

ESRB Rating: M (Mature)

Release Date: October 14, 2003

Summary

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is a violent, film-noir love story for mature audiences. Dark, tragic and intense, the in-depth story is a thrill-ride of shocking twists and revelations. Love hurts. The fans of Max Payne wont be disappointed. The fierce, yet stylish action sequences and slow-motion gunplay that has become synonymous with Max Payne is back and better than ever. New and enhanced moves and options provide breathtaking cinematic game play. Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne is set to raise the bar on action games all over again. [Rockstar]

Also On Metacritic

GAMES: Max Payne

Cheat Codes & Hints: Cheat Code Central Game Revolution GameSpot Guide

Also On The Web: GameSpot Preview GameSpy Preview GamingWorld X Preview IGN Preview Official Website Total Video Games Preview

What The Critics Said

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

100

Adrenaline Vault

It gives exactly what it promises: an engaging story with stylish, polished visuals wrapped tightly around fluid and virtually bug-free gameplay.

Read Full Review >

100

Four Fat Chicks

Frankly, Max Payne 2 makes me confident that the best is yet to come for gaming, that the awesome narrative and creative capability of this medium has yet to be explored to its fullest extent.

Read Full Review >

GameZone

A cinematic, action packed swarm of near perfection with a tragically twisting plot worthy of the big screen.

Read Full Review >

Gamer's Pulse

The gritty, film noir storytelling, intense bullet time action sequences and painstaking attention to detail in every area make Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne a must-have for every action fan.

Read Full Review >

Gamer's Hell

This series has been one of the most intense and best played games ever. I have never felt the same about a game since Half Life 1. This game sets the standard of what any shooter game should be – it's A+ quality, inside and outside.

Read Full Review >

Gamezilla!

Although it does not support multiplayer and is a bit short, this definitely one of the best action games this year.

Read Full Review >

Gamers' Temple

A cinematic game that plays like an interactive movie, a stylish film noir experience that no gamer should miss.

Read Full Review >

GameSpy

The action in Max Payne 2 is as adrenaline-pumping as anything you'd see on the silver screen, and you're in control. Or dangerously close to spiraling out of control, as Max often is. Despite the length, this is top-quality entertainment.

Read Full Review >

netjak

Complete in just about every aspect. Apart from the irritating escort missions and the short first run through, Max Payne 2 is perfect.

Read Full Review >

IGN

The visuals are excellent, the voice work is superior to what we usually get dealt in the action genre, and I only wish the game was a bit longer. A lot longer actually, but it's more because this kind of game is such a rare find than because that find is relatively meager.

Read Full Review >

Game Informer

It feels like the development team took everything that wasn't completely awesome in the first game, shot it in the face, and smoothed over the holes with buttery goodness. [Dec 2003, p.179]

Read Full Review >

AtomicGamer

Max Payne 2 retains or expands on almost everything great from MP1 while adding new features, an intense story, an insane amount of detail, and even more wonderful gameplay.

Read Full Review >

Play Magazine

The survive-as-long-as-you-can "Dead Man Walking" mode, however, can make a second or third go-round worthwhile. [Dec 2003, p.87]

PC Format

There’s immense replay value here, there’s a mixture of modes and difficult levels, and there’s a damn fine game, even if it’s not quite the revolution that the first Max was.

Read Full Review >

Next Level Gaming

A brand new story that will keep you totally engrossed. Updated graphics and the same great gameplay with brand new Bullet Time effects.

Read Full Review >

Entertainment Weekly

While there's plenty to recommend in MP2's innovative gameplay, its brevity may leave some lingering "payne" in your wallet. [21 Nov 2003, p.L2T 46]

Yahoo! Games

Well-developed and believable characters. That, in itself, is no mean feat, but mix it with the game's delightful combat, varied design, and admirable coherence of style and creative vision, and you have something very special. Max Payne 2 is a superb game.

Read Full Review >

PC Arena

Remedy Entertainment has again, defined the "cinema" in "cinematic." Absolutely no one out there can do Max Payne like these guys and we'll certainly be looking forward to the final instalment.

Read Full Review >

GamePro

It’s repetitive and, at times, stupidly frustrating, but overall the insanely awesome outweighs the bad. You won’t find more intense action on PC, and no game will make you feel like more of a badass.

Read Full Review >

GameSpot

A stunning shooter that's got a bit too much plot and is over too soon, though it's still incredibly intense and, by all means, worth experiencing.

Read Full Review >

Eurogamer

It's likely to be deemed too similar to the original to attract too many converts, but it's short, it's sweet, and it's been put together with so much style it frankly embarrasses the ham-fisted efforts of most other developers.

Read Full Review >

Gamenikki

The classical soundtrack is as emotional and well placed as any game I’ve seen before it, and Max Payne 2 also features specific attention placed on sound and environmental effects.

Read Full Review >

Computer Gaming World

In this sequel to the award-winning original, the kinks have been pistol-whipped until smooth, resulting in a tightly wrapped, short, sweet -- and familiar -- "ballet of death."

Read Full Review >

Cincinnati Enquirer

While the game is a tad short and there isn't a multiplayer option, Max Payne 2 is an excellent choice for mature gamers for its nonstop action, high-production values and incredibly realistic graphics.

Read Full Review >

VIA Gamers Arena

Not only is Max Payne 2 a truly befitting follow up, it also represents the epitome of what was so attractive about the original. It builds upon cinematic qualities and game play mechanics, improving upon both and fusing them together to near perfection. The storyline has been developed beautifully, and it's deliverance is once again, unique.

Read Full Review >

Gamer.tv

My only gripe with Max Payne 2 would be value for money - it's a short game. Nevertheless it's slick, well made and you'll rarely have time to catch your breath from start to finish.

Read Full Review >

Games Radar UK (Pre-2006)

Despite the wonderful new physics system, it feels like this is a game out of step with what's happening in action games. It still suffers from odd AI: enemies are hyperaware of your presence, turning on a dime as you enter their sensitive ranges. [PC Gamer UK]

Read Full Review >

PC Gamer

For its graphics, and those stunning action sequences that you'll be boring your buddies with for weeks, Max Payne 2 is a definite must-have for action fans. But it's not quite the revolution tht made "Max Payne" a must-have for everyone. [Holiday 2003, p.124]

PC Gameworld

The action, graphics, and gameplay are all tight and very satisfying. However, the somewhat hazy story and confusing relationships make some parts of the game less than stellar. An extremely short completion time might also turn off some gamers.

Read Full Review >

Game Revolution

About as slick as they come, with a presentation and verve that supercedes cutting-edge. It's a short one, but good things do come in small packages after all.

Read Full Review >

Gaming Age

By fixing the elements of the original that needed it, providing a richer backdrop for the gunplay, and tweaking the dialogue to better fit the film noir atmosphere, Remedy and Rockstar should be commended.

Read Full Review >

Game Over Online

Produces a great, no, an outstanding single player experience, but I have trouble recommending a game with so little game for like $40.

Read Full Review >

ActionTrip

As short games go, I must say that this is one of the shortest I've played. It has its moments of brilliance and I'm glad to have played it, but I really am not sure if I would pay $50 bucks for it.

Read Full Review >

My Gamer

As shooters go, you really can't do wrong by letting this gem take up some hard drive space on your PC.

Read Full Review >

1UP

The easily defeated final boss and drivel of an ending may not adequately complete a piece of fiction that shouldn't have ever started the way it did, but they are not harmful enough to completely negate the worth of an otherwise stylish and polished action game.

Read Full Review >

2404.org

The weapons look and act real, the grenades and Molotov cocktails look and behave similar real ones, and the environment responds to the weapons.

Read Full Review >

G4 TV

It may not have the infinite replay value of some titles, but it has more intensity than most. If you only play through it once, you'll feel like you got your money's worth.

Read Full Review >

FiringSquad

As long as you realize you're buying a John Woo shootout sim and not a story-driven narrative with lots of cool weapons, locations, characters, and multiplayer longevity, Max Payne 2 won't be a disappointment.

Read Full Review >

Armchair Empire

It’s a game that fatigues quickly. There’s nothing wrong with the gameplay, per se; it just feels a little bit empty. Try playing through the game without using the bullet time feature, and you’ll see how bland it really is.

Read Full Review >

GameNow

It would have been nice for Rockstar to learn from past mistakes instead of rehashing them. Still, no other game on any platform better mimics the look and feel of Hong Kong action films.

Read Full Review >

Gamers Europe

For what it is, Max Payne 2 is a successful game. It may be a tad on the short side but how long can a John Woo styled shoot 'em up last for anyway?

Read Full Review >

games(TM)

It's cliched, pretentious and even horribly self-indulgent at times, but Max Payne 2 is still an absolute joy to play. [Christmas 2003, p.114]

Read Full Review >

Computer Games Magazine

It ups the ante on art and style while taking its attempts at being "cinematic" too seriously. This makes it nearly impossible to ignore the general level of mediocrity to the characterizations, writing, and storytelling despite its mostly solid action. [Jan 2004, p.62]

GMR Magazine

We'd be hard pressed to stake the claim that any of these add significantly to the first game's singularly terse thrill. [Jan 2004, p.60]

Edge Magazine

Is this the most violent game of all time? Maybe. Its ragdoll physics may not match the flying limbs and broken faces of Soldier of Fortune, but its throwaway approach to life and death is genuinely shocking, leaving a bitter, metallic aftertaste. This is neither a fall nor an ascension. This is an update. [Jan 2004, p.105]

GameShark

A competent, if not particularly impressive, sequel. It makes some minor technological improvements, but packages them with major new flaws in the storytelling and gameplay.

Read Full Review >

What Our Users Said

The average user rating for this game is 9.1 (out of 10) based on 80 User Votes

Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

John R gave it a10:
It is still one of the best and most solid Third Person Shooters out there. The storytelling and the scenario itself reached a highter (and in my eyes even more mature) level than in the first game, the graphics were as good as they were possible back then (even current titles have a hard time creating as good character graphics as Max Payne 2 had) and the action itself is as exciting and cool as it can be. And also there are some nice bonusses such as the alternate ending on the highest difficulty and the Dead Man Walking mode, featuring a local high score table. In my eyes simply one of the best games ever. And for all those who oppose: What better third person shooters are there? What games feature a more intelligent and thrilling story? Seriously: I don't know any.

Norton M gave it a9:
This is one of the best games I ever seen. There are so many features, but something I would like to add, is the fact of the clips stay in the floor, the bullet marks and blood stains too. For the entire level. Holy ... and it doesn't lag the pc with that. Also, if you like plot/storyline you'll get enthrilled with this game. The story is by far one of the best I ever seen too.

J J gave it a10:
I've been a PC gamer for close to 25 years now, and MP2 is one of my favorite gaming experiences ever. Considering entertainment had while playing, it might be the most enjoyable shooter I ever played, Half-Life and other titans included. (Half-Life might be a better game, and have a much larger scope, but I enjoyed MP2 much more.) The graphics were (and still are) great; clean, crisp, and ridiculously efficient. The cornball film noir story is a treat. The sounds and music are superb. Mona Sax is an awesome anti-heroine; and for sheer butt-kicking sexy, I'd take her over Alyx Vance or Laura Croft any day of the week. Truth be told, some levels are narrow and poorly designed, and there is plenty of re-hashing of environments. But some maps (and the action embedded therein) are so creative and memorable that the game overcomes whatever negatives it could be charged with. Playing the same level twice, once from Mona's perspective, once from Max's is pure pleasure. The Funhouse level deserves to be in the computer game map hall of fame. I could go on an on. If for some reason you haven't played MP2 and you've got ten bucks to spend, search the 'value game' section or the bargain bin and pick up MP2. By the way, there will be no MP3-- Alan Wake will be the next Remedy game, built on essentially the same formula. I anxiously await it, and hope it doesn't succumb to big-budget complete seriousness.

Craig H. gave it a10:
I've just completed the game. Extremely engaging story. A vast improvment on Max Payne 1's graphic novel sequences. Lots of fun details: vomiting inmates, "Lords and Ladies" TV series etc., heart braking theme song by "Poets of the Fall": "Late Goodbye" that echoes the lost opportunities feeling of the game. I feel as though I slept through the 9-11 attacks and missed a tidal wave of a game by not buying it until four years after it was first released. Better late than never, I guess. Oh, and the graphics are as satasfying as Bioshock's but with double the frame-rate. Now on to the unlocked game modes.

Mark M. gave it an8:
A couple years back, I tried the demo, and I liked it; but, I never really got into the game. Only reason being is that I was really into more of a science fiction action. In a sense this is fiction. But I was more interested in robots, aliens, and monsters. Lately, though I have started to introduce some modern setting action games to my collection. I wouldn't go far back as to buy the first Max Payne, 2003 is a good borderline for gamers who like newer games. But, for the price it is on Steam now, it was well worth it. The graphics are dated, but for its time, they were quite an advance, and they also still capture the games atmosphere well. I think after playing Half Life 2 so much, I can almost compare it, although being slightly dumbed down, as things are a bit off scale at times. I think any computer these days will be able to Max :) the graphics, and enjoy the full well done detail. The level design is tight, and some surreal level design for dream sequences or other misc things, were artistically thought out. The action like most 3rd person action games, feels a bit clunky at times, and takes some getting used to. But, still manages to be very enjoyable. The best part is the hardened detective story, and its well told, along with great voice acting on all parts. When an action game that is linear tries to tell a story, it has to do it well. Max Payne 2 has an entertaining, realistic, and enjoyable story all the way.

Sean P. gave it a10:
In my 20 Years of gaming history, there were only 2 games that really got it, to capture me in their world - that's the whole Half Life Thing ... especially starting at the Episode stuff. On the other hand, it's the Max Payne story. Max Payne 1 was really good but since Max Payne really got "serious", by changing the optical charakter, it's really so much more impressive. He just looks like he feels - totally bad. The music, the comic-dequences, the story - everything is so perfect in it's way, that i always get a goose skin while thinking about quotes or the ending, while everything is still, you only see some lips and Max saying: "I've had a dream of my wife. She was dead. But that was all right." (it's shaking me again while writing this.) The alternate ending on "Dead on Arrival" Mode is ... ok ... but a too hollywood styling Happy End. But that's not the point. If I had to decide between nowadays titles like Crysis or a Max Payne 2, i will choose Max every single time, just too really "feel" this whole story with ups and downs. Max Payne 2 is the most perfect game up to today. And since Max Payne 3 was announced, i'm praying they won't let this series digging it's own grave. It would be a mess for me.

Simon B. gave it an8:
Max Payne is big. Big enough to have a sequel. If the game is updated in graphics, the gameplay suffers a little bit, aside from the architecture. In my opinion, Max Payne first was a lot harder than the second. Max Payne gives himself looks of a God by surviving two extraordinary "falls", which is why the game is called The Fall of Max Payne. I'm not going to give you the juicy details, but the game packs a bunch in terms of emotional detail. Contrary to the first, Max won't go and attack the government head first and blow up every single building he enters. Instead, this starts with an investigation and the death of a woman ("like all bad things in my life..."). Max then gets involved so deeply with the case that it costs him the loss of trust by his closest friends. Then, those he first meddled with come back to him and the miraculous survivor struggles again against all odds to find the truth in the dark. But how deep will he have to dig? Some moments are perplexing yet others are very obvious. Everything is not what it seems and Max finds himself caught into dreams that are creepier one after the other. I admit that some dreams with the correct sound devices and a night alone in a basement can give you the creeps. The gameplay itself shows how the characters you fight are but dummies with big guns. What's lame? Well, the fact that you can clear a room by running head first into the pack and with a full bullet-time gauge. I mean this at ANY point at all in the game. What would have been good also would have been the change in weaponry. You often end up seeing the same weapons everywhere. I mean, sure, it's gangsters against highly trained killers, but why do they all fight the same way with the same weapons? Everything seems so chaotic that Max himself looks lost at most points in the game. Finishing the game makes you breathe a little because the last intense moments are quite silly for the most part. This isn't a game to use your brain with. It's a game that works like an action movie and a depressing scenario with lugubrious music to join it. I will say that Max has Mel Gibson looks on some shots. Wonder why Mel won't be playing him in the movie?

Games

Sony

Microsoft

Nintendo

Other Platforms

Upcoming &Recent Releases

Max Payne 2: The Fall of Max Payne

Game Info

Summary

Also On Metacritic

What The Critics Said

What Our Users Said

Upcoming &
Recent Releases